Acambis announces significant progress on its MVA smallpox vaccine programme with publication of Phase I trial results

30-Jun-2005

Acambis plc announced an update on its programme to develop and manufacture its Modified Vaccinia Ankara ("MVA') attenuated smallpox vaccine, MVA3000, with results from a Phase I clinical trial of MVA3000. Acambis is co-developing the MVA3000 vaccine with Baxter Healthcare SA ("Baxter'), which is providing process development and manufacturing services.

MVA3000 is a weakened form of smallpox vaccine that is being developed for use in people for whom the traditional smallpox vaccine is contraindicated, such as patients with disorders of the immune system or skin conditions such as eczema. Acambis was awarded contracts by the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease ("NIAID'), part of the US National Institutes of Health, in February 2003 and September 2004 for the manufacture of MVA3000 and a series of Phase I and Phase II clinical trials.

In the randomised, double-blind Phase I trial, Acambis investigated MVA3000's safety and immunogenicity profile in 88 healthy adults who had not previously been vaccinated against smallpox. In addition, a comparator group of 22 subjects received a placebo.

In subjects vaccinated at the highest dose level, 97% seroconverted to vaccinia virus-specific antibodies (determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and 82% seroconverted to vaccinia neutralising antibodies (determined by plaque-reduction neutralisation testing) after two doses. No subjects experienced unexpected or serious adverse events.

The US Government has indicated its intention to procure a stockpile of an attenuated smallpox vaccine, such as MVA3000, as part of its defence against the threat of smallpox virus being used as a bioterrorist weapon, for which Acambis and Baxter plan to tender in due course.

All studies are being funded under the NIAID contracts. The MVA3000 programme has been designated as a "fast track' development programme by the US Food and Drug Administration.

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Topic world Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous

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Topic world Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous